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LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

GENERAL PURPOSE STANDING COMMITTEE NO 5

Report 33 – November 2010

General Purpose Standing Committee No 5

Budget Estimates 2010 - 2011

Ordered to be printed 17 November 2010 according to Standing Order 231

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ii Report 33 – November 2010

New South Wales Parliamentary Library cataloguing-in-publication data:

New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Council. General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5

Budget estimates, 2010-2011 / General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5. [Sydney, N.S.W.] : the Committee, 2010. – 30 p. ; 30 cm. (Report ; no. 33) Chair: Ian Cohen, MLC. “November 2010”. ISBN 9781921286667 1. New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Council. General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5—

Appropriations and expenditures. I. Title.

II. Cohen, Ian. III. Series: New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Council. General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5.

Report ; no. 33

DDC 328.94407


Report 33 – November 2010 iii

How to contact the committee

Members of the General Purpose Standing Committee No 5 can be contacted through the Committee Secretariat. Written correspondence and enquiries should be directed to:

The Director

General Purpose Standing Committee No 5

Legislative Council

Parliament House, Macquarie Street

Sydney New South Wales 2000

Internet www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/gpsc5

Email [email protected]

Telephone (02) 9230 3367

Facsimile (02) 9230 2981

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iv Report 33 – November 2010

Terms of reference

1. That upon tabling, the Budget Estimates and related papers for the financial year 2010-2011 presenting the amounts to be appropriated from the Consolidated Fund be referred to the General Purpose Standing Committees for inquiry and report.

2. That the committees consider the Budget Estimates in accordance with the allocation of

portfolios to the committees.

3. That the initial hearings be scheduled as follows:

Day One: Monday 13 September 2010 GPSC1 Tourism, Hunter, Science & Medical, Research, Women 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC2 Health 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC2 Ageing, Disability Services, Volunteering, Youth 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm GPSC1 Ports and Waterways, Illawarra 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm GPSC1 Mineral & Forest Resources 4.15 pm – 6.00 pm

Day Two: Tuesday 14 September 2010

GPSC1 Treasury, Special Minister of State, State Development & Regional Development 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC3 Local Government, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC1 Premier, Redfern Waterloo 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm GPSC3 Attorney General, Regulatory Reform, Citizenship 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm GPSC3 The Legislature 4.45 pm – 6.00 pm Day Three: Wednesday 15 September 2010 GPSC2 Education and Training 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC4 Fair Trading, Arts 9.15 am – 11.00 am GPSC4 Housing, Small Business, Veteran's Affairs 11.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC2 Community Services, State Plan 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm GPSC4 Planning, Infrastructure, Lands 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm


Report 33 – November 2010 v

Day Four: Thursday 16 September 2010 GPSC4 Transport, Central Coast 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC5 Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy Public Sector Reform, Aboriginal Affairs 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC4 Roads, Western Sydney 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm GPSC5 Water, Corrective Services 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm Day Five: Friday 17 September 2010 GPSC3 Police, Finance 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC5 Climate Change & Environment, Cancer 9.15 am – 1.00 pm GPSC3 Gaming & Racing, Sport & Recreation, Major Events 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm GPSC5 Primary Industries, Emergency Services, Rural Affairs 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm

4. That an initial round of supplementary hearings be scheduled as follows:

Day One: Monday 15 November 2010 GPSC 1 GPSC 2 Day Two: Tuesday 16 November 2010 GPSC 1 GPSC 3 Day Three: Wednesday 17 November 2010 GPSC 4 GPSC 2 Day Four: Thursday 18 November 2010 GPSC 4 GPSC 5 Day Five: Friday 19 November 2010 GPSC 5 GPSC 3

5. That the committees may hold additional supplementary hearings after 19 November 2010 as

required. 6. That each scheduled day for the initial round of hearings will begin at 9.15 am and conclude by

6.00 pm. 7. The committees must hear evidence in public. 8. The committees may ask for explanations from Ministers in the House, or officers of

departments, statutory bodies or corporations, relating to the items of proposed expenditure.

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vi Report 33 – November 2010

9. There is no provision under this resolution for a Minister or officer of a Department to make an opening statement before the committee commences questions.

10. A daily Hansard record is to be published as soon as practicable after each day’s proceedings. 11. The committees are to present a final report to the House by the last sitting day of the first sitting

week in March 2011.

12. Members may lodge questions on notice with the Clerk to the committee during a Budget Estimates hearing and up to two days following.

13. All answers to questions taken on notice during the hearing, and questions on notice lodged up to two days following the hearing, must be provided within 21 days, or as otherwise determined by the committee.

The terms of reference were referred to the Committee by the House on 24 November 2009, see LC Minutes (24/11/2009) 1536-1537, Item 12; amended LC Minutes (2/12/2009) 1601-1602, Item 8; amended LC Minutes (1/09/2010) 2001-2002, Item 4; amended LC Minutes (8/09/2010) 2036, Item 16.


Report 33 – November 2010 vii

Committee membership

Mr Ian Cohen MLC The Greens (Chair)

The Hon Rick Colless MLC The Nationals (Deputy Chair)

The Hon Robert Brown MLC Shooters and Fishers Party

The Hon Tony Catanzariti MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Luke Foley MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Charlie Lynn MLC Liberal Party

The Hon Helen Westwood MLC Australian Labor Party

Non-substantive members who attended the hearings

The Hon David Clarke MLC Liberal Party

The Hon Sophie Cotsis MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Catherine Cusack MLC Liberal Party

The Hon Duncan Gay MLC The Nationals

Dr John Kaye MLC The Greens

The Hon Melinda Pavey MLC The Nationals

The Hon Greg Pearce MLC Liberal Party

Mr David Shoebridge MLC The Greens

The Hon Mick Veitch MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Lynda Voltz MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Ian West MLC Australian Labor Party

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viii Report 33 – November 2010

Table of contents

Chair’s foreword ix

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Referral of the 2010 – 2011 Budget Estimates 1

Hearings 1

Transcripts 1

Questions on notice 1

Chapter 2 Issues raised during hearings 3

Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform and Aboriginal Affairs 3

Water and Corrective Services 4

Climate Change & Environment, Cancer 5

Primary Industries, Emergency Services, Rural Affairs 5

Appendix 1 Witnesses at hearings 7

Appendix 2 Tabled documents 9

Appendix 3 Minutes 10


Report 33 – November 2010 ix

Chair’s foreword I am pleased to present this report on the Budget Estimates 2010-2011. This annual Inquiry into the Budget Estimates ensures parliamentary oversight of the Budget, and provides an important mechanism for the accountability of the executive government to the Council. During the initial round of hearings the Committee held four hearings, receiving fourteen hours of evidence, to examine the portfolio areas of Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform, Aboriginal Affairs, Water, Corrective Services, Climate Change and Environment, Cancer, Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs. On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank the Ministers and their officers who assisted the Committee during this important Inquiry. I am grateful to my fellow Committee members for their contributions to the Inquiry process. Ian Cohen MLC Chair

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x Report 33 – November 2010


Report 33 – November 2010 1

Chapter 1 Introduction

Referral of the 2010 – 2011 Budget Estimates

1.1 On 24 November 2009, the Legislative Council resolved that ‘the Budget Estimates and related papers for the financial year 2010-2011 presenting the amounts to be appropriated from the Consolidated Fund be referred to the General Purpose Standing Committees for inquiry and report’.1

1.2 The resolution (hereafter referred to as the Budget Estimates Resolution) requires each committee to examine the Budget Estimates for the relevant portfolios and report to the House by the last sitting day of the first sitting week in March 2011.

Hearings

1.3 The Committee held four hearings as follows:

• Thursday 16 September 2010 – Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform and Aboriginal Affairs

• Thursday 16 September 2010 – Water and Corrective Services

• Friday 17 September 2010 – Climate Change and Environment and Cancer

• Friday 17 September 2010 – Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs

1.4 A brief summary of the key issues raised during the hearings is contained in Chapter 2.

Transcripts

1.5 Transcripts of the hearings are available on the Committee's web page at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/gpsc5.

Questions on notice

1.6 Questions taken on notice and the answers to these questions are also available on the Committee's web page.

1 LC Minutes (24/11/2009) 1536-1537, amended LC Minutes (2/12/2009) 1600-1601, amended

LC Minutes (1/9/2010) 2001-2002.

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2 Report 33 – November 2010



Chapter 2 Issues raised during hearings

This chapter provides a brief summary by portfolio of the key issues raised during the hearings.

Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform and Aboriginal Affairs

2.1 A hearing to examine the portfolios of Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform and Aboriginal Affairs was held on Thursday 16 September 2010.

2.2 The following issues were raised in relation to Industrial Relations, Commerce and Public Sector Reform:

• Industrial Relations Advisory Council

• Industrial Relations Office

• Office of Procurement

• Government car fleet

• Transition to retirement and superannuation

• Child labour

• Digital radio network

• Sandstone work

• Paid maternity leave scheme

• CALD programs.

2.3 The following issues were raised in relation to Energy:

• Cobbora deal and coal prices

• Relationship with Treasury

• Solar rebate scheme

• TransGrid controversies

• National market and demand planning

• Aluminium industry

• Energy efficiencies

• Government energy schemes

• Government investment in infrastructure

• Craig Murray, Country Energy

• National Energy Reform Process

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• Undergrounding of electricity lines.

2.4 The following issues were raised in relation to Aboriginal Affairs:

• Ministerial visits to Aboriginal communities

• Safe Families Program

• Bullying and intimidation in the Department

• Services to assist negotiations with Aboriginal people

• Aboriginal Trust Fund Administration Scheme

• Aboriginal Land Rights claims

• Aboriginal employment and training

• Support for retention of Aboriginal languages

• Water and Sewerage Program.

Water and Corrective Services

2.5 A hearing to examine the portfolios of Water and Corrective Services was held on Thursday 16 September 2010.

2.6 The following issues were raised in relation to Water:

• Regional water issues

• Tillegra Dam

• Greater Metropolitan Region Water Sharing Plan

• Metropolitan Water Plan

• Desalination

• Research and development.

2.7 The following issues were raised in relation to Corrective Services:

• Staffing issues, including training schools, use of temporary staff, transfer lists and ratio of inmates to staff

• Operation of the privatised Parklea Correctional Centre

• Identification and treatment of mental health issues in inmates, including the use of screening units.



Climate Change and Environment and Cancer

2.8 A hearing to examine the portfolios of Climate Change and Environment and Cancer was held on Friday 17 September 2010.

2.9 The following issues were raised in relation to Climate Change and Environment:

• Radioactive waste

• Number of visitors to national parks

• Environmental water

• Old growth forests and logging

• Marine parks

• Air quality and asthma.

2.10 The following issues were raised in relation to Cancer:

• Smoking rates

• Tobacco and anti-smoking advertising

• Breast cancer screening

• Cancer research.

Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs

2.11 A hearing to examine the portfolios of Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs was held on Friday 17 September 2010.

2.12 The following issues were raised in relation to Primary Industries and Rural Affairs:

• The number of fisheries compliance officers employed by the Department

• Fishing in sanctuary zones

• Incorrect maps of fishing sanctuary zones

• Structural adjustment in the fishing industry

• Shark Net programs

• Rice production

• Agricultural research stations at Trangie

• Expenditure on biosecurity

2.13 The following issues were raised in relation to Emergency Services:

• NSW Fire Brigades budget overruns

• Number of fires caused by insulation

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• Workers' compensation claims and sick leave in the NSW Fire Brigades

• Volunteer numbers in the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service

• Allocation of funds to local councils for the Rural Fire Service

• Allegations of bullying and sexual harassment in the NSW Fire Brigades

• Bushfire hazard reduction strategies

• Rates of arson



Appendix 1 Witnesses at hearings

1. Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform and Aboriginal Affairs – Thursday 16 September 2010

Name Position and Organisation

The Hon Paul Lynch MP Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Mr Don Jones Former Executive Director, NSW Industrial Relations Mr Peter Duncan Director General, Department of Services, Technology and Administration Mr Sajeev George Manager, Corporate, Department of Services, Technology and Administration Ms Anne Skewes Deputy Director General, Government Services, Department of Services,

Technology and Administration Mr Brian Baker Deputy Director General, NSW Public Works, Department of Services,

Technology and Administration Mr Chris Raper Deputy Director General, Public Sector Management Reform, Department of

Premier and Cabinet Mr Mark Duffy Deputy Director General, Minerals and Energy Ms Karen Smith Executive Director, Energy Mr James Christian Chief Executive, Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Department of Human Services Mr Stephen Wright Registrar, NSW Aboriginal Land Council

2. Water and Corrective Services - Thursday 16 September 2010 Name Position and Organisation

The Hon Phillip Costa MP Minister for Water and Minister for Corrective Services Mr David Harriss Commissioner, NSW Office of Water Mr George Warne Chief Executive Officer, State Water Mr Michael Bullen Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Catchment Authority Mr Kevin Young Managing Director, Hunter Water Corporation Dr Kerry Schott Managing Director, Sydney Water Corporation Mr Ron Woodham Commissioner, Department of Corrective Services Mr Gerry Schipp Deputy Commissioner, Corporate Services, Department of Corrective Services Mr Luke Grant Assistant Commissioner, Offender Services and Programs, Department of

Corrective Services 3. Climate Change and Environment and Cancer - Thursday 16 September 2010 Name Position and Organisation

The Hon Frank Sartor MP Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)

Ms Lisa Corbyn Director General, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Mr Simon Smith Deputy Director General, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group,

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

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Name Position and Organisation

Ms Sally Barnes Deputy Director General, Parks and Wildlife Group, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

Mr Greg Sullivan Deputy Director General, Environment Protection and Regulation Group, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

Mr Neil Hayman Acting Executive Director, Corporate Services Division, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

Mr Cameron Kerr Chief Executive Officer, Taronga Zoo Professor David Currow Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Institute NSW Dr Kerry Chant A/Deputy Director General, Population Health & Chief Health Officer, NSW

Health

4. Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs – Friday 17 September 2010 Name Position and Organisation

The Hon Steve Whan MP Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for Rural Affairs

Dr Richard Sheldrake Director General, Department of Industry and Investment Mr George Davey Deputy Director General (Primary Industries), Department of Industry and

Investment Mr Alan Coutts Chief Executive Officer, Food Authority Mr John Newcombe Director, Education Planning and Private Forestry Mr Greg Mullins AFSM Commissioner, NSW Fire Brigades Mr Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service Mr Murray Kear AFSM Commissioner, State Emergency Service Mr Stacey Tannos Director, Emergency Management NSW



Appendix 2 Tabled documents

Friday 17 September 2010 Public Hearing, Room 814/815, Parliament House

1. Environment, Climate Change and Water, Domestic visitation to NSW national parks, <http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research/NSWparkspopularity.htm>, (Accessed 17 September 2010) – Tendered by Minister Sartor.

2. Report prepared by Roy Morgan Research entitled Annual Visits to PWG Managed Parks in New South Wales – Final Report, dated April 2009 – Tendered by Minister Sartor.

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Appendix 3 Minutes

Minutes No 49 Monday 6 September 2010 Room 1102, at 10.00 am 1. Members present

Mr Ian Cohen (Chair) Mr Rick Colless (Deputy Chair) Mr Tony Catanzariti Mr Robert Brown Ms Marie Ficarra (Lynn) Mr Luke Foley Ms Helen Westwood

2. ***

3. Budget Estimates Resolved, on the motion of Ms Westwood: That for the initial round of hearings into the Budget Estimates 2010-2011, the sequence of questions to be asked alternate between Opposition, Cross Bench and Government members, in that order, with 20 minutes allocate to each. Resolved, on the motion of Ms Westwood: That, according to section 4 of the Parliamentary Papers (Supplementary Provisions) Act 1975 and standing order 223(1), the Committee authorise the Clerk of the Committee to publish the answers provided to questions on notice, except those answers for which confidentiality is requested, after these answers have been circulated to committee members. Resolved, on the motion of Ms Westwood: That on Thursday 16 September 2010, the Industrial Relations, Commerce and Public Sector Reform portfolios be examined from 9.15 am until 10.30 am, the Energy portfolio be examined from 10.30 am until 11.45 am, and the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio be examined from 11.45 am until 1.00 pm. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Colless: That on Thursday 16 September 2010, the Water portfolio be examined from 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm and the Corrective Services portfolio be examined from 4.00 pm until 6.00 pm. Resolved, on the motion of Ms Westwood: That on Friday 17 September 2010, the Climate Change and Environment portfolio be examined from 9.15 am until 12.00 pm, and the Cancer portfolio be examined from 12.00 pm until 1.00 pm. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Colless: That on Friday 17 September 2010, the Primary Industries and Rural Affairs portfolios be examined from 2.00 pm until 4.30 pm and the Emergency Services portfolio be examined from 4.30 pm until 6.00 pm.

4. ***

5. Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 1.00 pm, sine die.

Beverly Duffy Clerk to the Committee



Minutes No 50 Thursday, 16 September 2010 Room 814/815, Parliament House, Sydney, at 9.13 am 1. Members present

Mr Ian Cohen (Chair) Mr Duncan Gay (Colless – Energy and Aboriginal Affairs) Mr Robert Brown Mr Tony Catanzariti Mr David Clarke (Lynn) Mr Greg Pearce (Colless – Industrial Relations, Commerce and Public Sector Reform) Ms Lynda Voltz (Foley) Ms Helen Westwood

2. Substitute members The Chair advised that she had received written advice that the following members would be substituting for the purposes of this hearing: • Mr Clarke to substitute for Mr Lynn • Mr Gay to substitute for Mr Colless for the Energy and Aboriginal Affairs portfolios • Mr Pearce to substitute for Mr Colless for the Industrial Relations, Commerce and Public Sector

Reform portfolios. • Ms Voltz to substitute for Mr Foley.

3. Participating members

The Chair advised that the following member would be attending the meeting as a participating member: • Dr Kaye (Industrial Relations, Commerce, Public Sector Reform and Energy).

4. Correspondence

The Committee noted the following item of correspondence sent: • 20 August 2010 – From Secretariat to Minister Lynch, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for

Commerce, Minister for Energy, Minister for Public Sector Reform and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs regarding the Minister’s scheduled appearance time for the Inquiry into the Budget Estimates 2010-2011.

5. Public hearing: Inquiry into Budget Estimates 2010-2011 Witnesses, the public and media were admitted. The Chair made an opening statement regarding the broadcasting of proceedings and other matters. The Chair reminded Minister Lynch that he did not need to be sworn, as he had sworn an oath to his office as a member of Parliament. The following officials from departments, statutory bodies or corporations were sworn: • Mr Don Jones, Former Executive Director, NSW Industrial Relations • Mr Peter Duncan, Director General, Department of Services, Technology and Administration • Mr Sajeev George, Manager, Corporate, Department of Services, Technology and Administration • Ms Anne Skewes, Deputy Director General, Government Services, Department of Services,

Technology and Administration • Mr Brian Baker, Deputy Director General, NSW Public Works, Department of Services, Technology

and Administration • Mr Chris Raper, Deputy Director General, Public Sector Management Reform, Department of

Premier and Cabinet.

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The Chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolios of Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform and Aboriginal Affairs open for examination. The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee.

The evidence concluded and the departmental witnesses withdrew. The following officials from the Department of Industry and Investment were sworn: • Mr Mark Duffy, Deputy Director General, Minerals and Energy • Ms Karen Smith, Executive Director, Energy. The Chair then declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolio of Energy open for examination. The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee.

The evidence concluded and the departmental witnesses withdrew. The following officials from departments, statutory bodies or corporations were sworn: • Mr James Christian, Chief Executive, Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Department of Human Services • Mr Stephen Wright, Registrar, NSW Aboriginal Land Council. The Chair then declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolio of Aboriginal Affairs open for examination. The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee.

The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew. The public hearing concluded at 1.02 pm. The public and media withdrew.

6. Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 1.02 pm until Thursday, 16 September 2010 at 2.00 pm. Rachel Callinan Clerk to the Committee

Minutes No 51 Thursday, 16 September 2010 General Purpose Standing Committee No 5 Room 814/815, Parliament House, Sydney, at 2.00 pm 1. Members present

Mr Ian Cohen (Chair) Mr Rick Colless (Deputy Chair) Mr Robert Brown Mr Tony Catanzariti Mr David Clarke (Lynn) Ms Sophie Cotsis (Westwood) Mr Luke Foley



2. Substitute members The Chair advised that she had received written advice that the following members would be substituting for the purposes of this hearing: • Ms Cotsis to substitute for Ms Westwood • Mr Clarke to substitute for Mr Lynn.

3. Participating members

The Chair advised that the following members would be attending the meeting as participating members: • Dr Kaye (Water) • Mr Shoebridge (Corrective Services).

4. Correspondence

The Committee noted the following item of correspondence sent: • 20 August 2010 – From Secretariat to Minister Costa, Minister for Water and Minister for Corrective

Services regarding the Minister’s scheduled appearance time for the Inquiry into the Budget Estimates 2010 – 2011.

5. Public hearing: Inquiry into Budget Estimates 2010-2011 Witnesses, the public and media were admitted. The Chair made an opening statement regarding the broadcasting of proceedings and other matters. The Chair reminded Minister Costa that he did not need to be sworn, as he had sworn an oath to his office as a member of Parliament. The following officials from departments, statutory bodies or corporations were sworn: • Mr David Harriss, Commissioner, NSW Office of Water • Mr George Warne, Chief Executive Officer, State Water • Mr Michael Bullen, Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Catchment Authority • Mr Kevin Young, Managing Director, Hunter Water Corporation • Dr Kerry Schott, Managing Director, Sydney Water Corporation.

The Chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolio of Water open for examination. The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee.

The evidence concluded and the departmental witnesses withdrew. Mr Brown and Dr Kaye left the hearing. Mr Shoebridge arrived at the hearing. The following officials from the Department of Corrective Services were sworn: • Mr Ron Woodham, Commissioner • Mr Gerry Schipp, Deputy Commissioner, Corporate Services • Mr Luke Grant, Assistant Commissioner, Offender Services and Programs.

The Chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolio of Corrective Services open for examination. The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee.

The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew.

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The public hearing concluded at 5.30 pm. The public and media withdrew.

6. Deliberative meeting Transcript from the Budget Estimates hearing into the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio Resolved, on the motion of Mr Catanzariti: That the names of the four NSW towns in which the Safe Families Program is being run be suppressed from the publicly available transcript of 16 September 2010 for the GPSC5 hearing into the Budget Estimates for the portfolio of Aboriginal Affairs.

Supplementary hearings Resolved, on the motion of Mr Colless: That the Committee defer consideration of supplementary hearings until after the answers to questions taken on notice relating to the Water and Corrective Services portfolios are received.

7. Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 5.36 pm until Friday, 17 September 2010 at 9.15 am.

Rhia Victorino Clerk to the Committee

Minutes No. 52 Friday, 17 September 2010 Room 814/815, Parliament House, Sydney, at 9.13 am

1. Members present

Mr Ian Cohen (Chair) Mr Rick Colless (Deputy Chair) Mr Robert Brown Ms Catherine Cusack (Lynn) Mr Luke Foley Mr Ian West (Catanzariti) Ms Helen Westwood

2. Substitute members The Chair advised that he had received written advice that the following members would be substituting for the purposes of this hearing: • Ms Cusack to substitute for Mr Lynn • Mr West to substitute for Mr Catanzariti.

3. Correspondence

The Committee noted the following item of correspondence sent: • 20 August 2010 – From Secretariat to Minister Sartor, Minister for Climate Change and the

Environment and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), regarding the Minister’s scheduled appearance time for the Inquiry into the Budget Estimates 2010-2011.

4. Public hearing: Inquiry into Budget Estimates 2010-2011 Witnesses, the public and media were admitted. The Chair made an opening statement regarding the broadcasting of proceedings and other matters. The Chair reminded Minister Sartor that he did not need to be sworn, as he had sworn an oath to his office as a member of Parliament.



The following officials from departments, statutory bodies or corporations were sworn: • Ms Lisa Corbyn, Director General, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water • Mr Simon Smith, Deputy Director General, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group,

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water • Ms Sally Barnes, Deputy Director General, Parks and Wildlife Group, Department of Environment,

Climate Change and Water • Mr Greg Sullivan, Deputy Director General, Environment Protection and Regulation Group,

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water • Mr Neil Hayman, Acting Executive Director, Corporate Services Division, Department of

Environment, Climate Change and Water • Mr Cameron Kerr, Chief Executive Officer, Taronga Zoo The Chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolios of Climate Change and Environment and Cancer open for examination. The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee. Minister Sartor tendered the following documents: • Environment, Climate Change and Water, Domestic visitation to NSW national parks,

<http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research/NSWparkspopular ity.htm>, (Accessed 17 September 2010)

• Report prepared by Roy Morgan Research entitled "Annual Visits to PWG Managed Parks in New South Wales – Final Report", dated April 2009.

The evidence concluded and the departmental witnesses withdrew. The following officials from departments, statutory bodies or corporations were sworn: • Professor David Currow, Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Institute NSW • Dr Kerry Chant, A/Deputy Director General, Population Health & Chief Health Officer, NSW

Health

The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee. The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew. The public hearing concluded at 1.03 pm. The public and media withdrew.

5. Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 1.03 pm until Friday, 17 September 2010 at 2.00 pm. Teresa McMichael Clerk to the Committee

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Minutes No 53 Friday, 17 September 2010 Room 814/815, Parliament House, Sydney, at 2.00 pm 1. Members present

Mr Ian Cohen (Chair) Mr Rick Colless (Deputy Chair) (until 3.25 pm) Mr Robert Brown Ms Sophie Cotsis (Catanzariti) Ms Melinda Pavey (Lynn – Emergency Services portfolio) Mr Mick Veitch (Foley) Ms Helen Westwood

2. Substitute members The Chair advised that she had received written advice that the following members would be substituting for the purposes of this hearing: • Ms Cotsis to substitute for Mr Catanzariti • Ms Pavey to substitute for Mr Lynn • Mr Veitch to substitute for Mr Foley.

3. Participating members The Chair advised that the following member would be attending the meeting as a participating member: • Mr Gay (Primary Industries, Rural Affairs portfolios).

4. Correspondence

The Committee noted the following items of correspondence sent: • 20 August 2010 – From Secretariat to Minister Whan, Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for

Emergency Services and Minister for Rural Affairs regarding the Minister’s scheduled appearance time for the Inquiry into the Budget Estimates 2010 – 2011.

5. Public hearing: Inquiry into Budget Estimates 2010-2011 Witnesses, the public and media were admitted. The Chair made an opening statement regarding the broadcasting of proceedings and other matters. The Chair reminded Minister Whan that he did not need to be sworn, as he had sworn an oath to his office as a member of Parliament. The following officials from departments, statutory bodies or corporations were sworn: • Dr Richard Sheldrake, Director General, Department of Industry and Investment • Mr George Davey, Deputy Director General (Primary Industries), Department of Industry and

Investment • Mr Alan Coutts, Chief Executive Officer, Food Authority • Mr John Newcombe, Director, Education Planning and Private Forestry.

The Chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolios of Primary Industries and Rural Affairs open for examination. The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee.

The evidence concluded and the departmental witnesses withdrew. Mr Colless left the meeting.



The following officials from departments, statutory bodies or corporations were sworn: • Mr Greg Mullins AFSM, Commissioner, NSW Fire Brigades • Mr Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM, Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service • Mr Murray Kear AFSM, Commissioner, State Emergency Service • Mr Stacey Tannos, Director, Emergency Management NSW. The Chair then declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolio of Emergency Services open for examination. The Minister and other witnesses were examined by the Committee. The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew. The public hearing concluded at 4.40 pm. The public and media withdrew.

6. Deliberative meeting Supplementary hearings Resolved, on the motion of Mr Brown: That the Committee hold no further hearings to consider matters relating to the portfolios of Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs.

7. Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 4.56 pm sine die

Abigail Groves Clerk to the Committee

Minutes No. 54 Tuesday 26 October 2010 General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5 Members Lounge, Parliament House, Sydney, at 1:45 pm 1. Members present

Mr Ian Cohen (Chair) Mr Rick Colless (Deputy Chair) Mr Robert Brown Ms Sophie Cotsis (Catanzariti) Mr Charlie Lynn Mr Luke Foley Ms Helen Westwood

2. Substitute members The Chair advised that he had received written advice that the following members would be substituting for the purposes of this hearing: • Ms Cotsis to substitute for Mr Catanzariti

3. Minutes

Resolved, on the motion of Mr Brown: That draft Minutes Nos. 50, 51, 52 and 53, be confirmed.

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4. Correspondence The Committee noted the following items of correspondence sent:

• 10 September 2010 – Correspondence from South East Forest Rescue with summary report attached regarding the south coast native forests.

• 13 October 2010 – Correspondence from Ian Cohen to the Committee Director regarding the due date for answers to questions on notice for the Climate Change and Environment portfolio

• 14 October 2010 – Email from the Director to the Committee regarding the due date for answers to questions on notice for the Climate Change and Environment portfolio

• Letters providing answers to questions taken on notice during the Budget Estimates hearings on Thursday, 16 September 2010

o 12 October 2010 – Minister Lynch – Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform and Aboriginal Affairs

o 12 October 2010 – Minister Costa – Water and Corrective Services. • Letters providing answers to questions taken on notice during the Budget Estimates hearings on

Friday, 17 September 2010 o 11 October 2010 – Minister Sartor – Climate Change and Environment and Cancer o 13 October 2010 – Minister Whan – Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural

Affairs o 15 October 2010 – Minister Sartor – Climate Change and Environment o 18 October 2010 – Minister Whan – Emergency Services o 19 October 2010 – Minister Costa – Corrective Services.

• 21 October 2010 – email to the Committee from the secretariat, attaching answers to questions on notice for the Mineral and Forest Resources portfolio which were provided to GPSC 1 when this Committee had carriage of this portfolio.

Resolved, on the motion of Mr Colless:

• That the Committee write to the Minister for Primary Industry, the Hon Steve Whan, requesting an answer to Question 19b submitted by the Hon Melinda Pavey regarding hazard reduction in local government areas by hectare for the past four financial years.

• That the answer be provided within seven calendar days.

The Committee noted the following items of correspondence sent: • 21 September 2010 – Letters from, the Secretariat requesting answers to Budget Estimates

questions on notice by 5 pm Tuesday, 12 October 2010 to: o Minister Lynch – Industrial Relations, Commerce, Energy, Public Sector Reform and

Aboriginal Affairs o Minister Costa – Water and Corrective Services

• 22 September 2010 – Letters from, the Secretariat requesting answers to Budget Estimates questions on notice by 5 pm Wednesday, 13 October 2010, to:

o Minister Sartor – Climate Change and Environment and Cancer o Minister Whan – Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs.

5. Publication of tabled documents

Resolved, on the motion of Ms Westwood: That the Committee accept and publish, according to section 4 of the Parliamentary Papers (Supplementary Provisions) Act 1975 and Standing Order 223(1), the document tendered by Minister Sartor on Friday 17 September 2010 entitled "Annual Visits to PWG Managed Parks in New South Wales – Final Report", dated April 2009.

6. Budget Estimates supplementary hearings The Committee resolved on 16 September 2010 (afternoon hearing) to hold no further hearings to consider matters relating to the portfolios of Primary Industry, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs, which were the portfolios heard in that hearing.



Mr Colless moved: That the Committee hold a further hearing in relation to the portfolios of climate change and the environment Question put The Committee divided Ayes: Mr Colless, Mr Lynn Noes: Ms Cotsis, Mr Foley, Mr Cohen, Mr Brown, Ms Westwood. Question resolved in the negative

Resolved, on the motion of Mr Brown: That the Committee hold no further hearings in relation to the Budget Estimates.

7. Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 1.55 pm sine die

Beverly Duffy Clerk to the Committee

Minutes No 55 Thursday 11 November 2010 General Purpose Standing Committee No 5 Members Lounge, Parliament House, Sydney, at 1.05 pm 1. Members present

Mr Ian Cohen (Chair) Mr Rick Colless (Deputy Chair) Mr Robert Brown Mr Tony Catanzariti Ms Sophie Cotsis (Westwood) Mr Charlie Lynn Mr Luke Foley

2. Substitute members

The Chair advised that he had received written advice that the following members would be substituting for the purposes of this hearing: • Ms Cotsis to substitute for Ms Westwood

3. Minutes

Resolved, on the motion of Mr Brown: That draft Minutes No 54 be confirmed. 4. Correspondence

The Committee noted the following items of correspondence sent: • 26 October 2010 – Letter from the Secretariat to Minister Whan requesting answer to Budget

Estimates question on notice 19(b) for the Emergency Services portfolio.

5. Budget Estimates 2010-2011: Chair’s draft report The Chair’s tabled his draft report number 33 entitled Budget Estimates 2010-2011, which having been previously circulated, was taken as being read.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



Resolved, on the motion of Mr Catanzariti: That the draft report be the report of the Committee. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Catanzariti: That the Committee present the report to the House, together with transcripts of evidence, submissions, tabled documents, answers to questions on notice, minutes of proceedings and correspondence relating to the Inquiry.

6. Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 1.07 pm sine die The Chair expressed his thanks to the Committee and the Secretariat for the ongoing support and hard work they had provided for the Committee's inquiries over the current Parliament. The Committee members expressed their thanks to the Chair for his leadership of the Committee during the current Parliament.

Rachel Simpson Clerk to the Committee

budget estimates 2010 - 2011 - parliament of nsw · 2016-02-26 · legislative council budget...

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